Liberal support slips in St. Catharines riding

There are more than a dozen ridings across the province that are too close to call. St. Catharines is one of them. And while the riding’s been held by Liberal Jim Bradley for 33 years — over the past few years, Liberal support has been slipping.

Liberal incumbent Jim Bradley is so well known in St. Catharines he can pick up the phone and most people would know who he is: “The response has been positive in that regard. So far I’m pleased with the response I’ve had at the door.”

A St. Catharines’ MPP since 1977, Bradley has won by huge margins in the past. But in 2011, it was only by four percentage points.

Wilfrid Laurier political science professor and election poll analyst Barry Kay says this time St. Catharines riding is even closer — too close to call. Should Jim Bradley be concerned?: “Sure, he should be concerned because it was so narrow last time. Bradley is well liked. And probably that’s helped him hold the seat. But it’s a marginal area at this point in time.”

Jim Bradley’s been in tight races before. Back in 1990 during the NDP landslide, he won by only 900 votes. But the question this time is, with all the animosity toward the Liberal party, will Jim Bradley be able to hang on.”

Mat Siscoe is the P.C. candidate. a city councillor and high school teacher siscoe says people are receptive when he explains their plan to eliminate 100 thousand positions: “We’re committed to preserving frontline health care and frontline education. We want to make sure the services are delivering what they’re supposed to be delivering for the
residents.”

Jennie Stevens is the NDP candidate and also a city councillor. She’s taken a leave from her job at shaver hospital to run in this campaign: “I just wanted to make a change in St. Catharines. It’s time for a change. And i’m hearing it from the neighbours.”

Unemployment and health care are big issues here. Voters at the advance polls are talking change too.

“Just wanted to put my vote in.”

“There just has to be a change in the government to stop the spending.”

Sharon and Leo Walsh have always voted for Jim Bradley, until now: “He’s a friend. But when it comes down to what’s going on in the province and friendship — you have to draw the line.”

Barry said: “Clearly, it’s a very close race. And people shouldn’t think they’re wasting their vote in St. Catharines. Anything can happen.”

Now when Barry Kay is saying that St. Catharines is too close to call, he’s talking about less than a 3% spread between Jim Bradley and P.C. Candidate Mat Siscoe. On election night, the St. Catharines riding is certainly one to watch.